SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Office Policies
As part of our total business commitment to environmental responsibility, we have embraced an approach which advocates, above all, the reduction in resource consumption. The reduction in resources is coupled with tactics of re-use and recycling. Accordingly, we have employed the following business practices in our office workplace:-
Paper - we aim to reduce paper consumption as much as possible. We suggest clients receive trip documentation by email and insofar as is reasonably practical and legally possible, we conduct all other business correspondence by email and internet. The use of electronic methods for recording telephone calls, meeting minutes and other documentation is part of company policy. We use smaller font sizes and have a policy of printing paper double-sided. We only purchase recycled paper for use in our business. If paper can be re-used we re-use it. Only once its re-use is no longer possible do we recycle.
Promotional Material - we aim to keep the production of paper based promotional material to a minimum, consistent with the successful running of a business. All letterheads, invoices and other correspondence are printed on recycled paper and since 2006, all of our high-quality brochures have been produced in the same way using an Elemental Chlorine Free Process.
Other Materials - In addition to paper, we re-use and recycle envelopes, cardboard, glass, plastic bags and clothes.
Cleaning Materials - we use only environmentally friendly products in the office such as Ecover washing-up liquid and cleaner and recycled toilet paper.
IT Hardware & Consumables - when IT and other electronic hardware e.g. desktops, monitors and printers has come to the end of its business life, we distribute these goods to charity for their re-use. Other IT consumables which have no re-use value are recycled e.g. printer cartridges wherever facilities exist.
Energy Consumption - we aim to keep energy consumption to a minimum. We follow simple measures such as using energy efficient light bulbs, keeping artificial lighting to the minimum practical and ensuring that lights not in use are always switched off. Regular processes such as ensuring that non-essential electronic equipment is fully powered off at the end of the working day are also followed. Commitments to up-to-date technology are also made such as the use of LCD monitors in preference to CRT monitors (which are 80% less efficient) and multi-function fax/copier and printer.
Transport - We are proud of the fact that all of our staff walk or cycle to work each day. At all times we aim to keep transport movements to a minimum preferring other means of communication or choosing to access meetings on foot or cycle. Where longer distances are involved our first choice is the train wherever this is reasonably possible.
Carbon Offset - We have taken the decision to financially offset by 110% all carbon emissions generated by the company including those arising from all forms of business practice and energy use. See the Carbon Balance section of our website.
